• Rodent infestation found at Gene Hackman’s estate after deaths.
• Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus linked to rodents.
• Gene Hackman died a week later, reportedly due to heart disease and Alzheimer's.
• Environmental assessment revealed signs of rodent activity in multiple outbuildings.
• Health officials emphasize the dangers of hantavirus, which can be lethal.

A recent inspection of the New Mexico property where Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead has revealed significant rodent infestation. According to records from the New Mexico Department of Public Health, evidence of wild rodents was documented in eight detached buildings on the estate, despite the main residence showing no signs of vermin activity at the time of the investigation. This environmental assessment took place shortly after the discovery of the couple's bodies in February, raising health concerns regarding their tragic deaths, especially for Ms. Arakawa, who reportedly succumbed to hantavirus, a disease associated with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, according to BBC News.

The environmental evaluation revealed various signs of rodent activity, including a dead rodent, feces, and nests found in separate garages and external structures, as well as live traps indicating prior awareness of the infestation. Investigators believe that Mrs. Arakawa, aged 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) approximately a week before Gene Hackman, who was 95 and battling advanced Alzheimer's disease, passed away from cardiovascular complications. The reports highlighted that HPS, which starts with flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe respiratory issues, has a high mortality rate when untreated, as emphasized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to ABC News.

While it is known that HPS is rare, New Mexico reported the highest number of hantavirus incidents nationally last year, with statistics suggesting a significant fatality rate of 42% for cases within the state. Following her death on February 12, 2023, and Hackman's subsequent death on February 18, further investigations into the implications of the rodent infestation on their health have become a point of concern for health officials and the public alike, according to HuffPost.